The case: On Sept. 14, an informant told Beaverton police that a man would bring stolen items to the Home Depot parking lot on Southwest 110th Avenue in Beaverton. When John Cameron McGee, 22, arrived, an officer stopped him and read him his Miranda rights. McGee then admitted taking merchandise the night before from a Fred Meyer store at 22075 N.W. Imbrie Drive in Hillsboro.

Police said McGee showed up with dental health care items still in original packaging. They found the items were worth about $940. Police said that McGee told them Josh Paul Messinger, 23, drove the getaway car and taught him how to steal. McGee said he and Messinger stole items about twice per week from Fred Meyer stores, according to a police affidavit. Both men were arrested on theft charges, and Messinger also faced methamphetamine and heroin possession charges.

Update: On Oct. 22, McGee pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree theft. On Nov. 27, Messinger pleaded guilty to one count each of first-degree theft and possession of methamphetamine.

Sentences: McGee was sentenced to two years of probation and 50 hours of community service, while Messinger was sentenced to 1 1/2 years in prison, followed by one year of post-prison supervision. Both men are responsible for restitution totaling $2,317.16 to Fred Meyer.